great that you had your first pill  and great that it was Harvoni.

Isn't this just the best time to have HCV?

I swear I could feel the drugs coursing around in my blood the first few days.

I had a different tx and the Drs. nurse and drug company consultant were all really adamant that I avoid antacids. As gross as it is to swallow, a small spoonful of baking soda in a half glass of water helped the few times I wished I could take a gaviscone or something.

but it's better to suffer a queasy tummy than to let  this nasty virus mutate.

take care and drink water and rest

(you're going to have such a lot of energy when you're finished) 

Alison

Hi humbled,

I'm sure that once you get in the routine, you will cruise through the next 12 weeks. It's hard to imagine that little tablets can take on this deadly disease, but they can and do. 

Its about going through the identity change as much as any physical side effects - I'm infected with a dirty, vilified disease which will end up making me very sick - to oh my God, I haven't got it any more!! 

Good luck,

Syd

Hi Regi,

The whole idea regarding toothbrushes has been going on forever. Put the word "Toothbrushes" in the search box and you'll see our discussions. There seems to be differing opinions on it. If your gums bleed, then I would be changing it every couple of weeks at least until I was undetected. If your doctor isn't doing a viral load test during treatment, then I'd replace it every 2-3 weeks. If they don't bleed, then it's up to you. Toothbrushes are cheap and if you feel better doing it, so be it. Razors should be changed frequently anyway. Never allow anyone to share your toothbrush, razor or grooming items, such as clippers, scissors, nail files, etc. 

The best cleaner/sanitizer/soak is a 1:10 household bleach solution. Soak your clippers, tweezers, metal items, etc., in it and it will destroy the virus and is good for blood spills. Put it in a spray bottle and it's good for quick cleanups. It's good for general cleanup around the house too. There are commercial products available too.

I was told I didn't have to change my toothbrush, but did anyway...lol. If it makes you feel better, then you should. Toothbrushes and razors don't cost that much. Certainly not every day though. Also you can take antacids, just not within 4 hours of taking the pill as it lessens the effectiveness. Water is good, and be prepared for some sweet addictions. Ice cream was my best friend when I was on the harvoni.

Yes, pop is fine too! To go with your water and ice cream... Lol. It's actually a very tolerable easy treatment. And it works! 

Thanks so much  for the encouraging words everyone! I took the first pill this afternoon, and have felt fine so far. 

I went grocery shopping, and a bit of a headache, but otherwise good.

I know no antacids during treatment, but is it ok to drink fizzy drinks (like diet pop for example)? 

Also, how often should I be changing razors and toothbrushes during treatment? I'm petrified about possibly re-infecting myself at some stage!

When I started my Harvoni, I had 8 cases of 500 ml bottled water in my hall. Each case had 35 bottles so 2 = 1 Litre :)

humbled wrote:

---

I plan to drink lots of water (bought two gallons today), and I'm keeping my thoughts set on the end goal.

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 Well, that's a good start but at that rate you'll be going 'water shopping' every 2 days. I also bought bottled water in gallons and would buy 7 at a time since I generally go to the grocery store once a week. The grocery basket gets a little heavy with 7 gallons in it but you'll get used to it. I breezed through 24 weeks Harvoni with 1 gallon of water a day minimum (plus milk, juice, etc.) and have continued to drink the same amount since EOT. Congrats on starting treatment Humbled. Don't be nervous. Stay compliant and you'll do fine! 

Congrats on starting tx Humbled and by now you know that you are not going to get those side fx you were worried about.

I was the same way, popped the fist pill, sat in my favourite chair and waited for them .. and waited ... and .. finally got bored, got up and went about my day.

It's an easy med to take and if you start to feel a bit of a dull headache, have a glass of water. Almost guaranteed to take it away quickly.

Cheers

SF

Yay Humbled! Congratulations on getting Harvoni! I am on day 3 of Epclusa. So far so good. I drink a gallon of water a day and it has helped. Keep us posted on how you are doing. 12 weeks is nothing!! You will do great.

Hey Regi,

The next 12 weeks will be so much better, as you will finally be the one in control at last.  I remember feeling something very dark enter my heart when I got my diagnosis.  I was beyond consolation.

My second treatment did the trick, though.  My 12 weeks of Harvoni was so much easier to tolerate than my first treatment undertaking.  With Harvoni, you take the pill, drink the water and voilà great things happen.

I have been UND for over a year and you will be as well.  Take good care of yourself-you are about to be brave, strong, and cured!

Hi Regi,

You're going to do great! Staying compliant, maintaining good diet and hydration is key to reducing side effects and success. If we can do anything besides cheering you on to SVR, just let us know. I'm glad you were able to get started on this effective protocol, it's one of the best! 12 weeks will go by quick, so get comfortable and fasten your safety belt. Tomorrow you blast off! Good luck 

Hi Everyone,

Hope you're all well - thanks so much for all your help and support during this past summer! It was a really difficult one for me as I received my diagnosis in April, and I had to endure a summer away from both my home and my partner.

I'm back home now and just wanted to let everyone know that I was approved for Harvoni and am starting my treatment tomorrow (Saturday)!

I'm very nervous, but keeping my fingers crossed that the next twelve weeks won't be bad.

I plan to drink lots of water (bought two gallons today), and I'm keeping my thoughts set on the end goal.

Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers!